Gamers gather at library

Published August 1, 2013 at 12:22 pm

Shown with Lake Elmo Mayor Pearson are recent Kendama challenge winners Andrew Johnson, Jack Sandquist and Charlie Sandquist. The three boys and all the participants each received a small reward for their efforts. (submitted photo)

LAKE ELMO — As part of the Lake Elmo Public Library’s “Get Fired Up for Reading” summer program, mayor and library board member Mike Pearson took on all comers in a Kendama challenge July 24 at the library.

Contestants vied to complete tricks with the popular Japanese game of skill in the shortest time. Three winners rose to the top by competing against the mayor and each other.

Before the Kendama contest, children had an opportunity to play board games with library volunteers. After the challenge, PowerUp4Kids presented a nutrition education game about sugar in soft drinks and sports drinks and offered free tastes of fresh veggies. PowerUP4Kids mascot, CHOMP, the giant carrot, also participated in the fun.
At the end of the program, Morgan Johnson won a drawing for an exercise ball donated by PowerUp4Kids and Chase Johnson won a golf package from Joe Park Golf @ Country Air Wedge Course.

The summer reading fun continues at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with Cathy Cowen and “Tales of Foo-La-La.” The public is invited. For more information, visit the library’s website www.lakeelmopubliclibrary.org or call 651-773-4926. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.